Grab and Keel

We PUMAs were all glad when Olberman and Matthews were demoted but what are we doing about this guy?

Mark Belling called Gloria Steinem a “grizzled old bag,” “old witch”

[Summary: Radio host Mark Belling called Gloria Steinem a “grizzled old bag,” “old witch,” and “embittered old has-been” and also stated that the “previous generation” of feminists “were so ugly you couldn’t stand to look at them.”]

http://mediamatters.org/items/200809050016

The pain of being a Democrat this year is that we mostly agree with Gloria Steinem in her viewpoint. In any other election year PUMAs would be supporting the Democrat presidential choice. So it is unfair and wrong of us to remain silent about her denigration now, or at any time.

We have decided not to support Obama, because of what we believe to be fraud and Party gaming. We fear that if the Obama machine is allowed to succeed, the DNC will be further damaged. We see that already the fallout is occurring in down ticket Democrats. We fear that the Democratic Party is not now and will not support feminist principles to our satisfaction. Our proof is the way in which Clinton, and now Palin is being treated not only by the media but Party Pundits themselves.

Conservative Democrats will be able to make the leap across the aisle because of our disgust with what has happened.  Additionally, some of us feel that one step forward in affirmative action will suffice in wake of the loss of the Hillary Clinton. Those of us will vote against our party.

Gloria Allred beseeches us to vote for Obama in part because of her concern over the number of Federalist judges that will be, and have been appointed under a Republican. I share her fear. Obama studied constitutional law. However, his lack of published work, his musing on various issues leave me uncomfortable.

Politico assessment of his stint at the Harvard law Review was that Obama kept it balanced:

Obama kept Law Review balanced

By: Jeffrey Ressner and Ben Smith

June 24, 2008 04:17 PM EST

[In the end, though, Obama’s time on the Review mirrored other aspects of his life. Even in the staunchly liberal milieus in which he has spent his entire adult life, Obama has managed to lead without leaving a clear ideological stamp, and to respect — and even, at times, to embrace — opposing views. To his critics, that’s a sign of a lack of core beliefs. To his admirers, it’s the root of his appeal.

“To understand what someone else is trying to say isn’t just an editorial skill,” said McConnell. “It’s a life skill.” ]

http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=B1993498-3048-5C12-00FA3C486359EF70

Another Viewpoint from Law.com is the following:

Barack Obama, Legal Scholar

Special to Law.com

Kyron Huigens

July 15, 2008

[Barack Obama’s opponents have called his supporters “a cult of personality.” In less contentious terms, journalists have begun to wonder whether Democrats really have much of an idea who their presumptive nominee is and what he stands for. Anyone who claims to know the full truth about even the public man, what he really thinks, and how he thinks, is probably deluded. The Obama supporter who adds that, “Of course I understand him. He’s like me,” must be the most deluded of all.

I have to confess that I think I know Obama’s mind. He’s like me — a legal scholar.]

http://www.law.com/jsp/scm/PubArticleSCM.jsp?id=1202422977274

I cannot see anything but desultory performance thus far in Obama. To be a brilliant, balanced, nuanced scholar appears to make him more qualified to be a judge. I cannot see how balance will achieve what wants thrust in a political environment that has swung too far to the right. So my concern is, that even if this Democrat is elected, he may pick judges similar to what is currently being chosen.

However, just because I think these things does not mean I am right, only that I am trying my best to evaluate and make a decision. Gloria Allred has done that as well.  She has my utmost respect and admiration. I think as PUMAs her recent attempt to sway us is no more a sell out then ours to her. We must keep our ears attuned. If genuine attempts are made to address our concerns we must listen. So, thank you, Gloria Steinem and Gloria Allred for all your efforts. PUMAs, let’s not ignore misogyny where ever it strikes.

I Own My Vote, Just Say NO Deal, PUMA PAC, The Denver Group